Today Is Nelson Mandela International Day | Take Action, Inspire Change

‘Take Action, Inspire Change’ is the theme of Nelson Mandela International Day which is being observed today across the globe in recognition of the anti-apartheid icon’s commitment to democracy, racial justice and human rights.

As in previous years, people everywhere are being encouraged to perform at least 67 minutes of community service, one minute for every year that Mandela served others through his struggle for social justice.

“Let us seek to continue building on Nelson Mandela’s legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose,” says the United nations secretary general in his message to mark the day. “Let us heed the call to “never cease working to build a better world for all”.

From this year, Nelson Mandela International Day also focuses on the rights of prisoners, conditions of imprisonment, and the value of prison staff — addressed in the United Nations’ Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also called ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ that were launched in October 2015.